Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

In 1983, I started training in martial arts and Sidney was my first Karate instructor. Sidney taught me how to fight and defend my self. Many times Sidney and I sparred and it got to the point to where I mirrored his technique. Today, I'm still fighting and so many times I go back to what Sidney taught me. Sidney was a courageous police officer. Surely he will be missed by all.

Rest In Peace My Brother!

Chuck Badon
New Orleans Police Dept. (Ret.)

March 3, 2006

You are a true hero and will never be forgotten by your loved ones nor will the Blue Family ever forget you. Keep watch on your loved ones and guide them through their lifes journey. I only wish you could have retired after the long dedicated career you gave to law enforcement and enjoyed some quiet time in your life that you earned. Law enforcement definately lost a professional and dedicated individual when you were called away. Keep protecting your family.

Bob Gordon, father of fallen officer Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
www.michaelpgordon.com

Bob Gordon

January 20, 2006

I had the privilege of working with Sidney for a period of about 5 hours as a friend of mine, Brian Lanigan, and Sidney were making a martial arts training video and needed a director on short notice which is where I came in. Brian had affectionately talked about Sidney a lot and when I finally met him in that short time I felt as though I had known him for years. We had a lot of laughs making the video that day, which I did pro bono, and Sidney was a very hard working person who wanted to convey the importance of self-defense in the world today...A concept I agreed with 100%. When I heard of his death I felt that I had lost a friend. He had that type of personality. I can only imagine the loss felt by those who knew him longer.

Jeff Hollins
JeTi FILMS

January 15, 2006

To the family of Lt. Zaffuto,
You are in my thoughts and prayers as you honor Sidney on the second anniversary of his death this week. Thank you, Lt. Zaffuto, for your service and sacrifice. Your courage and dedication will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace.

Mary Kay Balchunas
Mother of Jay Balchunas, EOW 11/5/04

January 12, 2006

Please know that you, your famiily, friends and co-workers are in my thoughts and prayers on your second anniversary in Heaven. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten and you will always be thought of as a hero.
Rest in peace.

Linda Lamm - LEO Wife and Sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

January 10, 2006

Lieutenant Zaffuto..you - your family - friends & co-workers are in my thoughts & prayers as they honor you on your 2nd anniversary with the Lord..continue to watch over them & your fellow brothers/sisters in blue..YOU ARE GONE..BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN..REST IN PEACE & WITH EASE BLUE ANGEL!!!!

girlfriend of a dpd
detroit, mi

January 10, 2006

Just sending my thoughts and prayers to your family and loved ones on your 2nd birthday in Heaven. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Tracie

January 8, 2006

you did a lot of good while you were at opp---pistol range -pr24--etc--i miss you hanging out at broad gate--while monotoring visitation --your pal --gagne

deputy gagne
opp--opcso

November 17, 2005

I went through some training with Sidney he was a very good man and his love for Law-Enforcement protection was what he lived for. God Bless Sidney my thoughts and prayer for you and your family will be forever!

Sgt. Michael Barron
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office

October 11, 2005

Lt,
It was a honor to be assigned as the escort officer for your family during police week in Washington DC at the US Capitol.... To the family and OPCSO, my prayers are still with you.

Matt Patin
New Orleans Police Dept- 6th Dist

August 11, 2005

I too just recently became aware of what happened. Sid was our FTO when i went trough the academy. and although i was only with OPSO for a short period of time. the influence that Z had on me will last a lifetime. he made no jokes about being a police officer in this city. i can only hope the new sheriff will do a better job. from all the policeman in the LA Air National Guard,

"Eternal father, grant we pray,
to all marines, both night and day.
The courage, honor, strength, and skill,
their land to serve thy law fulfill;
be thou the shield forevermore,
from every peril to the corps."

SSgt Travis Von Bodungen
159 FW/MXS

May 24, 2005

I just heard today on the news of Sidney's death. The story was about law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
I am 43 yrs. old, and knew Sidney back in 1979-80 when I started taking karate at the age of 17. An officer on pg.1 who trained under Sidney said how Sidney "liked to pick on the big guys" when showing a technique. That made me smile, as I was one of his favorite "demo" subjects. I am deeply saddened by our loss, but am very glad and blessed to have experienced his concern and deep care for others, as well as his friendship and being his classmate/student. He was a good teacher and student, and although he used me for "demos" alot, he was always careful not to really hurt me. I have a deep respect for him, and was there the night he got his first black belt. My sincere condolences to his friends, co-workers, and family. I will choose to remember him for the way he positively impacted my life, and others.

Steve P. Valenti II

May 6, 2005

YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BROTHER SIDNEY....

DEPUTY LOUIS TATE
ORLEANS PARISH CRIMINAL SHERIFF'S OFFICE

February 27, 2005

To the Zaffuto Family: I only just now found out about your and America's great loss while doing a computer search of my own last name. Prior to this search, I believed that my brother (Joe Zaffuto, an officer in the State College PA. Police Dept.) and I were the only "Zaffuto's" in Law enforcement. We share such an unusual name and I'm sure a common heritage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sidney may be gone, but rest assured that my Brother and I, and the thousands of other "Brothers" in law enforcement will continue the mission in his memory and honor.

Conservation Officer Supervisor, Barry Z
Pennsylvania Game Commission

January 30, 2005

Lieutenant Zaffuto you are in my thoughts today, and your family are in my prayers. You will never be forgotten, you are a true hero, and I know that your family is so proud of you. But also, I know that they miss you so very much. You know that we are coming up on our first year date also, but I'm looking at it as Clint's first birthday in Heaven.
Lt. Zaffuto your family will miss you everyday, but we will not forget you. Thank you for your sacrifice, and Happy First Birthday in Heaven...

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 8, 2005

Lieutenant Zaffuto thank you for your sacrifice, tomorrow will mark one year, and you are not forgotten. You are a true hero in my book, and I know that your family is so proud of you. I do know that they miss you everyday, as I miss Clint each and everyday.
To the family know that we are here and praying for each of you, as you reach this one year mark. Our's is coming up also, and I've tried to look at it as Clint's first birthday with Jesus.
We will never forget you, and your family will always keep your memories alive.

Connie Barker
Mother of Clint Walker E.O.W. 1-14-04

January 7, 2005

We are deeply saddened by this senseless murder. I hope the community will show its outrage, as well as appreciation for this officer's sacrifice. My deepest sympathies and prayers to the family, friends and brother/sister officers of Lt. Zaffuto. Rest in Peace brother. AC

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 6, 2005

I wish to thank each and every one of you for your kind words. Dad, I miss you every hour of every day. I wish you would have had the opportunity to know your 2 grandchildren for a little longer, but in my heart I know you are there watching over them. I love you Dad. Rest in Peace. We will be together again.
Love,
Your Son,
Sidney A. Zaffuto, Jr.

Sidney A. Zaffuto, Jr.
Son

January 3, 2005

may you watch over us all keep doin a great job up there

anonymous

October 28, 2004

A PART OF AMERICA DIED

Somebody killed a policeman today, and
A part of America died.
A piece of our country he swore to protect
Will be buried with him at his side.
The suspect who shot him will stand up in court,
With his counsel demanding his rights,
While a widowed Mother must work for her kids
And spend alone many long nights.
The beat that he walked was a battlefield, too,
Just as if he’d gone off to war.
Though the flag of our nation won’t fly at half-mast,
To his name, they will add a gold star.
Yes, somebody killed a policeman today.
It happened in your town or mine.
While we slept in comfort behind our locked doors,
A cop put his life on the line.
Now his ghost walks a beat on a dark city street,
And he stands at each new rookie’s side.
He answered the call and gave us his all,
And a part of America died.

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

October 18, 2004

Dear Lieutenant Zaffuto,

We didn't know about this website until our son recently lost his partner on a code call. Now we check this daily and our goal is to leave a prayer for each brave soul who has given his/her life for the protection of their fellow man.

We know that life is eternal and someday we will meet you. Please pray for us and watch over all mankind for life down here is hard. We have added you to our prayer list and will pray for you daily.

Rest comfortably for you have put out your hand and touched the face of God.

We love you.

Grandma & Grandpa Hinkle
Parents of a Deputy Sheriff

October 1, 2004

Mr. Z,
Everytime I put on this uniform, I think back to the times of training that we went thru. Everytime I put on this duty rig, I think of the responsibilities in my job to do. Everytime I walk into this building, I see you.
We remember the late night training classes for report writing, PR-24 moves and the self defense training (Man, you sure like picking on us big guys, which was fun to watch when it wasn't me, lol). It's unreal to come here and not see you or here that loud laughter. To have an individual on your team who gave so much time and dedication to something he loved dearly is truly a treasure, one that when you look at his picture, you can identify with and say "Hey, I know someone like that guy". This is YOUR Sidney Zaffuto. This is your treasure to learn from and enjoy today, because tomorrow is not promised.
We miss you Mr. Z and we'll meet again on the other side.

F.T.O. Julian Augustus III
Orleans PArish Criminal Sheriff's Office

September 7, 2004

my prayers are with you and your family Lt. Zaffuto

July 19, 2004

Yet another death of a true freedom fighter. In my eyes Lieutenant Zaffuto died for the safety and freedom of the United States and not just for the state of Louisiana. Thank you for your commitment and courage.

Brent
civilian - Josephine County, Oregon

June 20, 2004

I'm so sorry for your loss. I share your pain. God will get us through this.
Shani Lake(Crump)
fiance' of Corporal James Crump
Fayette Police Department(Alabama)
E.O.W. 6-7-03(gunshot)

June 19, 2004